2K’s new 31st Union studio is making an ‘ambitious and inspired original IP’

Take-Two publishing label 2K has announced new details about its Silicon Valley studio, which it says is developing an “ambitious and inspired new IP”.

Established in February 2019 and led by president Michael Condrey, who previously co-founded Call of Duty studio Sledgehammer Games for Activision, the new 2K studio is officially called 31st Union.

It was also announced on Tuesday that the studio is to expand to Europe with the opening of a Spanish location.

“31st Union is off to an incredible start with a passionate and talented team, an intentioned culture that champions inclusivity and greater representation, and an ambitious and inspired new IP that we’re extremely excited about,” said Condrey.

“Our name and studio represent the spirit of California in its rich diversity of thought, art, music, innovation and cultural representation that have defined the current golden age of entertainment and technology here in Silicon Valley.

“In revealing our new identity and announcing the expansion of our operations, we’re shifting into an exciting next phase of growth to include more voices and bring our vision to life around the globe.”

31st Union head of strategy Tyler Michaud also said: “We’re creating a development environment focused on a single new IP where passion is at the center of it all. We believe diverse perspectives and experiences are crucial to creating a truly global entertainment experience with a deep connection to passionate fans.”

31st Union will become the fourth 2K studio with multiple worldwide locations following WWE 2K developer Visual Concepts, Mafia studio Hangar 13 Games, and Cloud Chamber, which was recently announced as the developer behind the next entry in the BioShock series.

Last summer, former Sledgehammer studio head Condrey questioned whether Activision was pressuring Call of Duty: Modern Warfare developer Infinity Ward “to be more controversial” in a bid to drive media coverage ahead of the shooter’s release.

Condrey and fellow Sledgehammer co-founder Glen Schofield left the studio in February 2018, shortly after the release of Call of Duty: WWII. Prior to founding the studio, which also co-developed Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and made Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, the pair worked on the Dead Space franchise at EA‘s now closed Visceral Games.

In June 2019, Schofield was appointed as CEO of a newly established PUBG Corporation development studio called Striking Distance.